Monday, 20 June 2016

Discover South America with Scott’s Travel and Latin Routes by Charles Maycock

Living and working in Latin
America was part of my life for six years. The clear blue skies with white
mountain peaks circling La Paz Bolivia were the backdrop to falling in love,
marriage and raising a family. A love and appreciation for its peoples and diverse
cultures also ensued. Everything from the remnants of Inca civilisation on the
high Andean plateau to the easy sophistication of an evening in Buenos Aires
have left their imprint on me. And this is a major reason we venture afar, to
experience and understand the other road travelled.

But isn’t everything south of
the Tex-Mex line best exploited by the backpacker? Fortunately, there is plenty
accessible to those who like an upscale residence! At the ethereal Machu
Picchu, the prestigious Belmond Hotel, The Sanctuary, is a flagship property
mirrored by others in the Andean region which will aid the traveller on an
extended itinerary of discovery. The monument itself was built as an estate for
an Inca ruler in the 15th century, falling into disuse after the conquest,
remaining unknown for many years. Although enveloped in the upper folds of
mountainous terrain you can arrive in style by rail on the special Hiram
Bingham train.For
many, a trip to Machu Picchu is a once in a lifetime experience. The Belmond
Hiram Bingham assures a magical journey, never to be forgotten.

The most remarkable place I
have ever been is Iguazu Falls, the engulfing water dominated chasm of

rainbow
lights, mist and mystery; a place of both terror, spectacle and inspiration
where those seeking to enhance their encounter can be immersed in the
neo-Portuguese colonial Hotel Das Cataratas.

In faraway Rio de Janeiro so
much can be enjoyed from any one of the luxurious hotels in the city whose twin
landmarks of the Sugar Loaf Mountain and the immense statue of Christ, together
with the famous beaches are all to wonder at. Two hours by car from Rio is the
well-known and more relaxed resort of Buzios, where a fascinating collection of
beach coves invite you to unwind.

Lovers of wildlife and the
natural world will still be thrilled and delighted by a visit to the Amazon
basin, traditionally a difficult area but now within reach on a P & O
cruise. Alternatively, step into the unforgettable by booking a lodge for just
a few nights.

Argentina boasts the coloured
mountains in the north, and Chile’s outstanding mountain scenery contrasting
sharply with the rainless Atacama…and many more.

There are people to meet, and
new customs to discover together with some Spanish or Portuguese to be
attempted or perfected. A guide is still more than useful on any tour,
self-made or otherwise.

Our preferred South America partner

Argentina to
Brazil

Day 1 - 3: Buenos Aires

Fly overnight from the UK to Buenos
Aires where you will spend 3 nights in the home of the tango, at a centrally
located hotel.

Enjoy a fascinating Half Day City Tour
on your first morning and learn about the fascinating history of Argentina
which has shaped what the country has become today. You will also discover
great places to see with the rest of your time.

With the rest of your time in the city
you could discover one of the cities many art galleries or museums.

Day 4 - 5: Iguazu Falls

Fly from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu
where you will spend 2 nights discovering the almighty Iguazu Falls.

Enjoy a Half Day Tour to the Argentinian
side of the Iguazu Falls and discover one of the world’s most beautiful
waterfalls. With the rest of your time in the area you can explore the national
parks or try one of the numerous adventure activities on offer.

Day 6 - 7: Rio de Janeiro

In the morning you will fly to Rio de
Janeiro for 2 nights in the “Marvellous City”. You will stay at a
centrally located hotel in Copacabana. On your first day, enjoy an exciting
Half Tour to Corcovado (Statue of Christ) where you will have some fantastic
views over the city.

With the rest of your time you could
visit the historic downtown area or the beautiful Botanical Gardens.
Alternatively, you would be forgiven for spending your time sipping Caprhinias
on the beautiful sands of Copacabana Beach!

Day 8 - 10: Buzios

In the morning you will take a transfer
to Buzios for 3 nights. Buzios is a relaxed town on a peninsula which is home
to over 20 stunning beaches. You can spend your time relaxing in the famous
Brazilian sunshine or perhaps take a schooner trip for some world class
snorkelling.

Day 11 - 12: Fly to UK

You will head back to Rio de Janeiro and
on to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK

Arrive Lima and spend 2 nights
discovering Peru's bustling capital city. On your first morning you will enjoy
a half day tour visiting some of the cities highlights including the main
square and cathedral. In the evening why not enjoy Lima's thriving gastronomic
scene.

Day 4 - 6: Cusco

Today you will fly to the UNESCO World
Heritage Town of Cusco for 3 nights. On your first day you will explore the
highlights of this fascinating town on a half day city tour including some
ancient Incan sites in the surrounding area.

Your second day is at leisure and you
may decide to relax around town or enjoy one of the many adventure activites in
the areas surrounding Cusco.

Day 7 - 8: Sacred Valley

Today you Travel to the magical Sacred
Valley for 2 nights. Here you can enjoy a relaxing day at leisure or you may
decide to visit one of the ancient Inca sites in the area (not included)

Day 9 - 10: Machu Picchu

Today you will climb aboard the train to
Machu Picchu. Here you will discover Peru's most iconic attraction with a guide
to explain all about the history of the Incan Empire.

You will spend the night at Aguas
Calientes and the following morning you may decide to return to Machu Picchu
for sunrise (not included). In the afternoon you will take the train back to
Cusco for your final night.

Day 11 - 12: Fly to Uk

In the morning you will head to Cusco
Airport for your overnight flight back to the UK via Lima.

Fly from the UK to Rio de Janeiro for 3
nights in the “Marvellous City”. You will stay for 2 nights at a centrally
located hotel in Copacabana. On your first day, enjoy an exciting Half Tour to
Corcovado (Statue of Christ) where you will have some fantastic views over the
city.

With the rest of your time you could
visit the historic downtown area or the beautiful Botanical Gardens.
Alternatively you would be forgiven for spending your time sipping Caprhinias
on the beautiful sands of Copacabana Beach!

Day 3 - 6: Amazon Rainforest

Fly from Rio de Janeiro to the city of
Manaus which is the entry point for the Amazon Jungle. You will spend 1 night
at a hotel near Manaus before heading down the Amazon River for 3 nights at the
fantastic Amazon jungle lodge

Located deep in the heart of the Amazon
Rainforest, your stay at the jungle lodge will include a daily programme of
excursions into the Jungle with their superb guides. At the end of a great day
exploring you can relax at the lodge and full board meals are also included.

Day 7 - 9: Pantanal

You will head back to Manaus and fly on
to the Pantanal, a vast expanse of wetlands, thought of as the best place to
spot wild animals in the whole of South America. Upon arrival at the airport
you will be transferred by 4x4 vehicle to your Pantanal lodge. Your stay at the
lodge includes full board and a daily programme of wildlife safaris into the
Pantanal, with their expert guides. Will you be lucky and spot the jaguar?

Day 10: Rio de Janeiro

With a camera full of the amazing
sights, you will fly to Rio for one final night. Spend your afternoon stocking
up on your souvenirs or maybe topping up your tan on Ipanema Beach.

Day 11 - 12: Fly to the UK

You will head back to Rio de Janeiro
airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.